GUYANA:  SAVANNAH & RAINFOREST ADVENTURE

TOUGYSARFAD - 14 days / 13 nights
SCHEDULED and PRIVATE DEPARTURES with 2 participants MINIMUM

PRIVATE DEPARTURES: SATURDAY

SCHEDULED DEPARTURES CALENDAR:
October 8 – 21, 2004

Visit some of Guyana's best resorts and ranches. Search for Jaguar and Giant River Otters and marvel at Kaieteur Falls, explore the highlights of the Rupununi, is an area of extensive grass lands punctuated by bush islands and termite mounds with a backdrop of wind sculpted peaks of the Kanuku Mountains. One of the highliughts is the visit of Karanambu Ranch where Diane McTurk works in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls
The Kaieteur Falls which was first seen by a European on April 29, 1870 is situated in the heart of Guyana on the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo. The water of Kaieteur, one of the world’s natural wonders, flows over a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge - a drop of 822 feet or 5 times the height of Niagara Falls. There are no other falls in the world with the magnitude of the sheer drop existing at Kaieteur. Amerindian legend of the Patamona tribe has it that Kai, one of the tribe’s chiefs (after who the falls is named), committed self sacrifice by canoeing himself over the falls. It was believed this would encourage the great spirit Makonaima to save the tribe from being destroyed by the savage Caribishi. Kaieteur supports a unique micro environment with Tank Bromeliads, the largest in the world, in which the tiny Golden frog spends its entire life and the rarely seen Guiana Cock- of-the-rock nesting close by. The lucky visitor may also see the famous flights of the Kaieteur Swifts or Makonaima Birds which nest under the vast shelf of rock carved by the centuries of water, hidden behind the eternal curtain of falling water. The Orinduik Falls is where the Ireng River thunders over steps and terraces of solid jasper, a semi precious stone. With a backdrop of the rolling grass covered hills of the Pakaraima Mountains, this is truly one of the most beautiful locations in Guyana’s hinterland. It’s name is derived from the Amerindian (Patamona) word, Orin, which is the name of an aquatic plant found in theses falls. The Ireng river forms the border between Brazil and Guyana. In contrast to Kaieteur, Orinduik is ideally suited for swimming and you will find natural Jacuzzi’s as the falls tumble down the steps of Jasper. Guyana’s most popular day trip takes in both of these spectacular falls. The trip departs from Ogle Airstrip and lasts 7 to 8 hours with two hours spent on the ground at each water fall.

Central Rainforests of Guyana
In the heart of Guyana, isolated and undistributed by civilisation, stand the great rainforests of the Iwokrama and Pakaraima Mountains. This seemingly endless forest expanse is home to two uniquely Guyanese locations : Iwokrama and Surama. Iwokrama is the only living laboratory entirely dedicated to the international community for the study of conservation and development of the rainforest. Surama, set in a natural savannah and ringed by forest covered mountains is home to an Amerindian community of the Macushi tribe, who welcome visitors. Surama shares a common border with the Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation and Development along the Burro Burro River. It is here the community have established Carahaa Landing Camp, a hammock camp on the river edge. This camp offers a base for night walks and day break canoe floats on the Burro Burro River, which allow opportunity to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira, Spider Monkeys and many more species. Guests can also stay in the village guest house, which provides simple, comfortable accommodation with shared facilities and excellent meals prepared from local produce. The Surama community have identified eco-tourism as a sustainable use of their land. It means employment at home, rather than the men leaving to mine or cut timber in other parts of Guyana. Surama and Wilderness Explorers have developed a strategic alliance which fosters the development of eco-tourism in the community. All tours to Surama are managed and operated solely by the Macushi. Wilderness Explorers provide the administration, sales and marketing skills in support of Surama. Apart from the direct employment from eco-tourism, the community also benefits from the purchase of local produce and a portion of every tour goes to a village fund which is used for community development projects.

Iwokrama Forest
The Iwokrama Forest is nearly one million acres (371,000 hectares) of central Guyana in northeastern South America. It is located in the heart of the Guiana Shield, one of the four last pristine tropical forests in the world, (Congo, Papua New Guinea, and Amazonia are the other areas.) and represents an important transition zone in rainfall, landforms, human histories and biological communities. The Forest is bordered to the west by the Pakaraima Mountain range that extends through western Guyana and eastern Venezuela and to the east by the isolated highlands scattered through central-east Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It is also bordered by savannahs in the southwest and northeast of Guyana and southwestern Suriname. The area is covered with lush, lowland tropical forest, and dominated by tall tropical trees with a dense canopy 20-30 metres (66-98 ft.) high. Tropical forests are disappearing rapidly. Their loss will cause the extinction of half the planet's animal and plant species and unknown changes to global climate. The Iwokrama Forest was established as a living laboratory for sustainable tropical forest management.

Marshall Falls from Shanklands Rainforest Resort
From Shanklands Rainforest Resort travel up the Essequibo River to Bartica, the hub of the mining community in the north west of Guyana. The town is a hive of activity as the miners pass through on the way to their claims further in the interior. The township is located at the junction of the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers and most travel is done by boat. The stelling ( wharf ) and market are two colourful and exciting locations. At Bartica the pioneer atmosphere is still strong and it is often compared to a wild west town. We now enter the Mazaruni River to see Kyk-Over-Al ( See Over All ) which was once the Dutch seat of government in the county of Essequibo. Now all that remains on this island are the ruins of the former stronghold which guarded the junction of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers. Further on up the Mazaruni River we reach the wild Marshall Falls, with its own natural Jacuzzi. From here a short hike into old growth rainforest brings us to two small falls, both spectacular in their natural state, and perfect for swimming.

ACCOMMODATION:

Cara Lodge
Cara Lodge is the perfect hotel for those who want to soak up Guyanese heritage and culture. One of the oldest wooden buildings in Georgetown, it has in just 6 years become the best known hotel in the country. Built in the 1840s and originally consisted of two houses, it has a long and romantic history associated with it and was the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. Over the years it has hosted many dignitaries including Edward VII who stayed at the house in 1923 and planted the sapodilla tree in the front garden, to mark the occasion. He was, of course, later to abdicate and marry the American Wallis Simpson. In recent years the home has become a unique hotel that offers all the tradition and nostalgia of a time gone by, complete with all the comfort and services of the most modern of hotels, all in the most congenial family atmosphere. Our restaurant, The Bottle Restaurant, is known as the best in the capital and is open for lunch and dinner daily except Sunday. Cara Lodge is the perfect location for the vacationer wishing to experience a taste of Guyana's past, as well as for the business person who requires today's services in a comfortable and unique place to stay.

Timberhead Rain Forest Resort
Your trip to Timberhead will take you along the Kamuni River where overhanging vegetation has stained the water a deep black colour and the chill air is relieved by intermittent bursts of sunlight. You enter the Pokerero Creek and the Amerindian reserve of Santa. Timberhead is found within this reserve, sited on a sandy hill overlooking savannah and the Pokerero Creek, and ringed by rainforest. The three native jungle lodges are spaced among the trees, each one handcrafted from local timber, and featuring traditional Troolie Palm thatched roofs. Each lodge has been designed to make the most of the breeze from across the savannah and the incredible views. The lodges have double or twin bedrooms, where you can lie at night atop crisp white linen and look out across the creek. All lodges have full bathroom facilities with fresh running water. The activities at Timberhead are numerous and include jungle walks on miles of well marked trails. Guides are available or the more adventurous can explore alone. The lodges are surrounded by small creeks which are fun to explore, especially at night, canoeing to spot Caiman and see the nocturnal water lilies. The locations is also famous amongst bird watchers, who have recorded over two hundred different species in the surrounding habitat. Other activities include swimming in the black water creek, volleyball, badminton and fishing. A short trip from the Timberhead Rain Forest Resort is Santa Mission, an Amerindian village where you can see local handicraft and experience village life.

Surama Village
The Amerindian community of Surama is located in the heart of Guyana. The village is set in five square miles of savannah which is ringed by the forest covered Pakaraima Mountains. Surama’s inhabitants are mainly from the Macushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practises of their forebears. This isolated and idyllic location offers an escape from the concrete jungle to a serene and peaceful existence with nature. Dawn hikes, led by Surama guides across the savannah and up Surama Mountain, reveal a multitude of birds and fantastic vistas. The guides have lived their entire lives in the rainforest, and have an incredible understanding of nature and how to utilise its resources.

Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development
Iwokrama was established to promote the conservation, sustainable and equitable utilisation of tropical rainforest in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits. The Centre is responsible for the conservation and management of the 360,000ha (1,000,000 acres) Iwokrama Forest for research and development purposes. Half the area will be retained as a Wilderness Preserve. Part of Iwokrama’s mission is to develop new sustainable uses for tropical rain forest ecosystems in order to increase the value of these ecosystems and thereby encourage their conservation. Sustainable utilisation is to be combined with research, training and outreach to develop and demonstrate sustainable rain forest management practises on an operational scale. Iwokrama is located in the heart of Guyana, with accommodation in timber cabins with thatched roofs, on the banks of the Essequibo River. Each cabin has it’s own bathroom facilities. Meals are served in the main dining hall, where you can mingle with the rangers, administrative and scientific staff. The field station is the base for exploratory trips into the forest, where you can sling a hammock at one of the numerous satellite camps. Turtle Mountain offers a challenging hike rewarded by spectacular views across the canopy and river to the distant mountains. Boat trips at night offer close inspection of Spectacled Caiman and by day visit Kurupukari Falls to see Amerindian petroglyphs. There is probably no better place on earth to see Jaguar in the wild with 1 in 3 visitors viewing the big cats at dusk or dawn.

Rock View Lodge
Rock View Lodge is located in the village of Ruperti in the North Rupununi Savannahs at the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains and close to the border with the Iwokrama Forest. The Rupununi River, Pakaraima Mountains and the rainforest, as well as the Amerindian villages of Annai, Kwatamang and Woweta are to be found within a radius of only a few miles of Rock View Lodge and are easily accessible. Guests are accommodated in well furnished and spacious self contained suites and are entertained in the old ranch house. For those on a budget there is also the option of a room in the ranch house with shared facilities or you can simply sling a hammock in the benab. Well trained bilingual staff from the region will look after your every need and the cuisine is an exciting blend of Creole, Guyanese and Brazilian. The Lodge is set in acres of gardens and orchards which attract hundreds of humming birds. You can join the local villagers in a game of volleyball, soccer, cricket or just relax by the only pool in the Rupununi. The roar of the Howler Monkeys can be heard in the early morning hours at the foothills of the Pakarimas. Excursions can be arranged to the forest, savannahs, mountains and Rupununi River. From Rock View it is a short jeep ride to the Amerindian community of Surama. The village is set in a natural savannah, surrounded by rainforest covered mountains. Surama is the base for trips to the Burro Burro River, where dawn boat trips reveal Giant River Otters, Tapir, Monkeys and a host of birds. A slightly longer trip will take you to the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development.

Shanklands Rainforest Resort - Essequibo River
Shanklands is carved from the tropical rainforest on a majestic cliff overlooking the silver water of Guyana's largest river, the Essequibo. White colonial style gingerbread cottages are set amidst twenty-five acres of rolling lawns with views of the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers and the gold mining town of Bartica. Each cottage is self contained with en-suite bedrooms and a spacious verandah hung with hammocks. The cottages are secluded by the beautiful grounds and boasts private beaches, coves and creeks. Sit at the end of the jetty during the cocktail hour and watch the sun turn a brilliant orange as it sinks into the rainforest across the river. Your every need will be attended to by the friendly staff. A nature trail leads into the thick forest where you may encounter Tapir, Labba or other wildlife. The bird life at Shanklands is excellent with nearly 200 species recorded. The Essequibo River provides a excellent arena for water sports. Enjoy sunfish sailing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing. Less strenuous activities as croquet, mini golf and volley ball can be played on the lawns and beaches. Day trips to Bartica, Kyk-Over-Al and Marshall Falls are available Shanklands is the perfect point to begin or end a trip to the famous Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls. Trips from Georgetown travel along the Atlantic coast to the Essequibo River where you will board a boat to travel the 30 miles to Shanklands. The Essequibo River is Guyana's largest with its head waters in Brazil, the mouth of the river is 21 miles wide and has 365 islands. Shanklands is located a few miles north of Bartica, where the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers join.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 Sat Georgetown
Arrive in Guyana and transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge.

Day 2 Sun Kaieteur Falls / Timberhead Rain Forest
Transfer to airport for a flight over endless rainforest before reaching the spectacular Kaieteur Falls with its sheer drop of 741 feet and unique ecosystem. Then continue on to the Brazilian border and bathe in the natural jacuzzi formed when the Ireng River thunders over solid Jasper at Orinduik Falls (see full description below). ). At the end of the flight a boat trip on the Demerara, Kamuni and Pokerero Rivers, under the canopy of the forest will bring you to Timberhead Rain Forest Resort. This idyllic setting overlooking the Pokerero River and surrounded by rainforest, is the perfect base to encounter nature. Overnight at Timberhead Rain Forest Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Mon Timberhead Rain Forest
With well marked trails through the forest it is possible to spot some of the 271 bird species recorded at Timberhead. The creeks offer excellent canoeing and the night reveals Caiman and water lillies that only bloom with the cover of darkness. Nearby is the Amerindian village of Santa Mission, which can be reached by boat or an hour's walk through the jungle. Overnight at Timberhead Rain Forest Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Tue Karanambu Ranch
Transfer by boat to the airport for a flight across the rainforest and savannah to Karanambu Ranch. Your hostess here is Diane McTurk, famous for her work in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild. She has been filmed by National Geographic and visited by the Calgary Zoo. Dinner with Diane will include stories on the history of her family and the Rupununi Savannahs. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Wed Karanambu Ranch
Diane often has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. Visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing (add US$10.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah with Diane. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Thu Karanambu Ranch
Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. An evening visit to Crane Pond to see hundreds of Ibis, Anhinga, Heron and Egret roosting is a highlight. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Fri Annai
After breakfast transfer by boat along the Rupununi River to Ginep Landing and then by 4x4 across the savannah to Rock View Lodge at Annai. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Sat Annai
Today explore the foothills of the Pakariama Mountains or the nearby Amerindian villages. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Sun Iwokrama
After breakfast, transfer by 4x4 to Iwokrama Field Station. Afternoon free to explore the trails around the field station with an Iwokrama Ranger. After dinner, we will take you out on to the river to spot caiman and other nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Mon Iwokrama
Today you will be up before dawn to hit the trail to seek the elusive Jaguar. The Iwokrama forest is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises, but many have been lucky! After breakfast, you will leave the field station for the journey to Turtle Mountain, and a leisurely stroll up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes an hour to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy when you get there. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest. On the return trip, visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level). Then visit the small Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the Field Station. Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Tue Shanklands
This morning before breakfast, we will take you on an early morning boat ride near the Field Station. After breakfast, take a wildlife walk with an Iwokrama Ranger close to the Field Station. After lunch we will transfer you by 4 x 4 to Annai for a flight to Georgetown. Transfer by vehicle to the Essequibo River and then by boat to Shanklands Rainforest Resort. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Wed Shanklands
Free day to enjoy the facilities at Shanklands including nature trails and your own private beach. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Thu Shanklands
A boat trip on the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers leads to Marshall Falls, here you can bathe in a natural jacuzzi. Hike through the forest to two smaller waterfalls, both perfect for a jungle swim. On your return visit Kyk-Over-Al, the ruins of a Dutch fort and Bartica, a mining township (see full description below). Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Fri Depart
Transfer to airport for departing flight. (B)

INCLUDED:

Not Included:

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